Lead author Dr. Lyn M. Steffen, from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and colleagues acknowledge that other reports have shown similar associations, but say few studies have specifically addressed this topic in young adults.
In their study the researchers evaluated over a 15-year period, the elevated blood pressure, defined as at least 130 over 85 or use of a BP lowering agent, in 4300 subjects.
The group were made up of roughly equal numbers of black and white men and women, between 18 and 30 years of age.
Dietary assessments were carried out at enrollment and then at 15 years into the study.
It appeared that as plant food intake rose, the risk of elevated blood pressure fell.
However, the investigators found the opposite trend was seen with meat intake, whereas dairy consumption did not seem to have a consistent effect on blood pressure.
The authors therefore conclude that a greater plant food intakes and lower meat intakes as part of a habitual diet may prevent the development of high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
The study is published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2005.
It was revealed during this period that 560 persons (13.4 percent) were diagnosed as having new AMD, the majority of whom had early-stage AMD, but that risk was modified by diet, in particular, where vitamin E and zinc was achieved by consumption of whole grains, vegetable oil, eggs, and nuts, meat, poultry, fish and dairy products.
On the basis of this study, foods high in these nutrients appear to be more important than nutritional supplements.
Good sources of beta carotene are carrots, kale, and spinach, while vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and juices, green peppers, broccoli, and potatoes.
The researchers say that until more research is available, the information may be useful to persons with signs of early AMD or to those with a strong family history of AMD.
They say that although their findings need confirmation, their observational data suggests that a high intake of specific antioxidants from a regular diet may delay the development of AMD.
The study is published in the December 28 issue of JAMA.